"HAITI IS NOT YET OPEN FOR BUSINESS", SAYS FORMER JUSTICE MINISTER BERNARD GOUSSE
(Defend Haiti) -
PORT-AU-PRINCE - "Haiti is not yet open for business," said lawyer Bernard Gousse during his speech at the second day of the forum on the General State of Investing in Haiti. According to the former Justice Minister (2004-2006) and Prime Minister-designate of President Michel Martelly, business law in Haiti constitutes a barrier to investment because of its obsolescence.
While welcoming the willingness and commitment of the current government in power for boosting the trade sector, the lawyer, noted that the weakness of business law in Haiti, is blocking investment.
"The formalities to form a society are long and expensive," lamented the former appointed Prime minister, who reported about 5 months and more than three thousand dollars to set up a limited company.
The inadequacy of laws relating to commercial rents, the lack of an electronic control, reform of customs administration and insurance are all difficulties that may discourage the Haitian entrepreneur and those abroad to invest in Haiti, according to Mr. Gousse.
"The solution is possible if the authorities agree to take the bull by the horns," he said.
The law professor invited various stakeholders to establish a technical team with lawyers specialized in business law and contract law, so as to thoroughly reform the business laws.
This work, added Mr. Gousse, must be supported by parliamentarians who, despite political differences, must agree to vote for new laws on the reform of company law and modify the terms of property reserves.
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